4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Santa Clara County requires a building permit for pools and spas over 18 inches deep, with mandatory compliance to the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (H and S 115920) drowning prevention rules.
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
When a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features ... Before the issuance of a final approval for the completion of permitted construction or rem...
Pool fencing in unincorporated Santa Clara County is governed primarily by California state law - the Swimming Pool Safety Act (Cal. Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) and California Building Code 3109. New or remodeled pools (and most newly purchased homes with a pool) must have a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool, OR provide at least two of seven approved drowning prevention safety features. Santa Clara County Code Division B11 covers public/permitted pools; private pool barriers are enforced through the County's adopted California Building Code via the Department of Planning and Development.
Residential pools and spas in unincorporated Santa Clara County are governed by California Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 through 115929 (the Pool Safety Act), enforced through the California Building Standards Code as adopted in County Title B. Section 115922 requires at least two of seven drowning prevention features whenever a pool or spa is built or remodeled. Zoning Ordinance Section 4.20.020(J) adds a five-foot setback for pools and pool equipment from any property line.
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
When a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool ...
Santa Clara County hot tubs over 18 inches deep need a building permit and must use VGB Act anti-entrapment drains. A locking ASTM F1346 safety cover satisfies most barrier requirements.
5 cities in Santa Clara County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
1 verified rule • Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
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